Obituary of Michele Giuseppe Rocca

It is with great sadness that the family of Michele (Mike) Giuseppe Rocca of Saint John, NB announce his passing on November 18, 2019 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Sorbello, Italy on May 5, 1944. Mike moved from Sorbello, Calabria to Oakville, ON in 1972 and Saint John, NB in 1975 to make a better life for his family and himself. Although this was a tough decision to move away from his family in Italy Mike knew that Saint John was the right place to settle. He loved everything about it; the ocean, people, work opportunities, history and most of all he knew his wife, son and daughter would be in a happy environment. Mike loved talking to people and listening to their life stories and also was very passionate about explaining his life experiences. Mike was a very hard worker and an active member of local 213. He worked at the Saint John Pulp Mill, Dry Dock, Nucleur Power plant, and Irving Oil Refinery. He also worked in Italy, Switzerland, and Australia as a pipefitter/welder. Mike took pleasure in: hunting, shuffleboard, coffee with friends, playing Italian cards with family and friends, watching soccer games, enjoying time with his grandkids who he adored, Alessia and Marco, visiting family in Italy, gardening with his wife Franca and discussing just about everything with his kids Luciano and Patrizia. Above all, he enjoyed time spent with his family, who will miss him dearly both near and far. In addition to his loving wife, Franca of 53 years, he is survived by his son Luciano Rocca, daughter Patrizia Rocca, son in law Kevin Maloney, daughter in law Shannon Penny, his grandson Marco Maloney and his granddaughter Alessia Maloney. He will be also missed by his cousins Rosa and Battista Rocca, Lisa Rocca, Susie Rocca and Sofia Rocca, brothers Mario Rocca, Natale Rocca, brother in-law Giuseppe Cimino and sister in law Maria Cimino, nephew Giovanni, and several other nieces and nephews as well as many cousins in Canada, Italy and abroad. You are in paradise now with your sister Crestina and your mom and dad. Mike was predeceased by his parents Francesco and Maria (Strangis) Rocca and sister Crestina. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue Saint John, NB E2M 2L3 506-634-1701. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 20th from 4:00PM – 8:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 21st 12:00 Noon, at the Holy Spirit Parish (St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church). Interment will take place in the Rocca Family Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com. The family wish to thank all the dedicated doctors, nurses and other staff who took great care of Mike at the hospital and at home. We love you and miss you so much dad, you will always be in our hearts! Ti voglio bene e ci manchi da morire.